Department of Chemistry, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
Abstract:
Montmorillonite clay was modified with an oligomeric surfactant, which was then melt blended with polyethylene and polypropylene in a Brabender mixer. The morphology was characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, while thermal stability was evaluated from thermogravimetric analysis and the fire properties by cone calorimetry. The nanocomposites are best described as mixed immiscible/intercalated/delaminated systems and the reduction in peak heat release rate is about 40% at 5% inorganic clay loading.